Cable management accessories

ABSTRACT

A vertical cable manager includes a base, an interconnected double-spine assembly topped by a top frame, and a pair of doors. The double-spine assembly is supported by the base. Each door is removably coupled at each lower corner to the base and at each upper corner to the top frame, thus permitting each door to be opened or hinged along either of its lateral sides or removed entirely. The double-spine assembly may support selectively repositionable mounting members, which may in turn support a large cable spool, a selectively repositionable shelf-mounted handle spool assembly, and various other cable management accessories.

The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/350,216, filed on Jan. 7, 2009 and published asUS 2009/0236117 A1, and issued on Aug. 16, 2011 as U.S. Pat. No.7,999,183, which '216 application is a U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to each ofthe following:

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/019,599 to Garza, filed Jan. 7, 2008;

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/019,592 to Hathcock, filed Jan. 7, 2008;

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/020,741 to Hathcock, Jan. 13, 2008;

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/020,745 to Garza, filed Jan. 14, 2008;and

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/095,308 to Donowho, filed Sep. 8, 2008.

Each of the foregoing U.S. patent applications and patent applicationpublications is incorporated by reference herein.

The entirety of each of the following commonly-assigned patentapplications is incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/299,950 to Alaniz et al.,filed Jan. 7, 2008 and issued on Mar. 9, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. D611,326;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/302,236 to Donowho et al.,filed Jan. 14, 2008 and issued on Nov. 9, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No.D626,817;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/302,304 to Donowho et al.,filed Jan. 14, 2008 and now abandoned;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/302,305 to Lawrence et al.,filed Jan. 14, 2008 and issued on Jul. 28, 2009 as U.S. Pat. No.D596,929;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/302,309 to Lewis II et al.,filed Jan. 14, 2008 and now abandoned; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/019,596 to Donowho et al., filedJan. 7, 2008.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and of othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records,but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to cable management systems fortelecommunications cables, and, in particular, to vertical cablemanagers having adjustable internal components for better cablemanagement.

2. Background

Racks, frames, cabinets and the like for supporting computer and otherelectronic equipment are very well known. Similarly, raceways forrouting cables and wires to and from that equipment are likewise wellknown. In particular, a number of raceways have been proposed forrouting cables, wires and the like (generally referred to hereinafter as“cables”) vertically through or adjacent to equipment racks, frames,cabinets and the like (generally referred to hereinafter as “mountingfixtures”). Such raceways may be used to route cables vertically toequipment mounted or otherwise supported on a mounting fixture fromother equipment on the mounting fixture, from an overhead or underfloorraceway, or the like. These cables are generally routed in the verticaldirection to a point adjacent to the desired equipment and then routedin the horizontal direction to the desired equipment.

An important characteristic of such raceways is the presence of aplurality of openings in the sides of the raceway through which cablesmay be routed, thereby facilitating more convenient access between theequipment and the interior of the raceway. For example, U.S. Pat. No.2,921,607 to Caveney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,949 to Weiss,commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282 to Krietzman et al., and U.S.Pat. No. 7,285,027 to McGrath et al. each disclose a covered wiring ductor wireway which includes side walls having a series of finger-likeprojections separated by openings. The cables may be routed through theopenings by bending them around the projections, thus allowing thecables to be routed with relative precision, and preventing cables fromhanging loosely across the face of the rack itself. A gap at the distalends of each pair of adjacent projections permits cables to be insertedinto each respective opening. The gap is narrower than the opening, thusaiding in the retention of the cables within the opening. The distalends of all the projections may then be covered by a cover, thusproviding further retention capability.

It is often advantageous to provide a cable raceway having a frontportion and a rear portion, wherein two separate channels areestablished. In such raceways, the separate channels are commonlyestablished by a partition or “midsection,” often with passthroughopenings therein. Known products utilize a fixed midsection that isattached to the vertical side rails in one position only. The fixedmidsection provides strength and rigidity to the total structure. Onedownside of a fixed midsection is that it reduces cable capacity.Furthermore, installers find it difficult to position cablesfront-to-back, and lashing bars and spools are not flexibly available.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,150 to Follingstad et al. discloses theuse of spools, but the positions of the spools are relatively fixed.

Thus, a need exists for a rigid vertical cable manager that facilitatesa moveable midsection. The structure must be designed in a way to befree standing and/or fixed to a rack with or without moveablemidsections between the vertical side rails. Thus, the structure must berigid and structurally sound to prevent any movement (flexure of thestructure). A need further exists for the moveable midsections to bemounted between the vertical side rails in multiple vertical locationsand a plurality of positions front to back in order to provide greaterpassthrough cable capacity and increased cable management. Stillfurther, a need exists for additional options and flexibility in the useof lashing bars and spools with the partition or midsection(s).

Improvement is also needed in the area of cable management featureswithin the vertical cable manager. Conventional tie-down featuresincluded such devices as bridge lances or punched slots in the sheetmetal comprising the rear “wall” of the cable management space. The useof such features required a more tedious “threading” of Velcro ties.Furthermore, previous methods almost uniformly required that Velcro tiewraps be threaded through bridge lances or through punched slots insheet metal, often requiring access to both the front and the rear ofthe manager. Thus, a need exists for improved cable management featureswithin the vertical cable manager.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention according to a first aspect is a vertical cablemanager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly,parallel to but spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frameconnecting a top end of the first column assembly to a top end of thesecond column assembly; and a base connecting a bottom end of the firstcolumn assembly to a bottom end of the second column assembly; whereinthe top frame and the base are structurally sufficient to support thesecond column assembly, relative to the first column assembly, withoutfurther structural support members.

In a feature of this aspect, a door, providing substantially noadditional structural support to the second column assembly relative tothe first column assembly, is hingedly coupled to, and supported by, thetop frame and the base.

In a further feature of this aspect, a removable midsection member,providing substantially no additional structural support to the secondcolumn assembly relative to the first column assembly, is coupled to,and supported by, the first and second column assemblies. In stillfurther features, the removable midsection member, the columnassemblies, the top frame and the base define a wiring channel; and theremovable midsection member, the column assemblies, the top frame andthe base define at least two wiring channels, each having a top, abottom, a front, a rear and two sides, the column assemblies beingdisposed on the respective sides of the wiring channels.

In a further feature of this aspect, the first and second columnassemblies each include a respective side panel, wherein the side panelof the first column assembly includes a first set of mounting featureseach adapted to support a first end of removable midsection member, thesecond column assembly includes a second set of mounting features eachadapted to support a second end of the removable midsection member, andthe mounting features of the first set are aligned with the mountingfeatures of the second set such that the removable midsection member maybe supported at any of various locations in the vertical cable manager.

In still further features of this aspect, the base is adapted to reston, and be supported by, a floor in a room; and the base is adapted tosupport the column assemblies and top frame in a freestanding state.

The present invention according to a second aspect is a vertical cablemanager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly,parallel to but spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frameconnecting a top end of the first column assembly to a top end of thesecond column assembly; and a base, adapted to rest on, and be supportedby, a floor in a room, connecting a bottom end of the first columnassembly to a bottom end of the second column assembly; wherein thecolumn assemblies, the top frame and the base define at least one wiringchannel having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and two sides, thecolumn assemblies being disposed on the respective sides of the wiringchannel; and wherein no solid transverse wall extends between the twosides of the wiring channel.

In a feature of this aspect a door, providing substantially noadditional structural support to the second column assembly relative tothe first column assembly, is hingedly coupled to, and supported by, thetop frame and the base.

In further features of this aspect, a removable midsection member,providing substantially no additional structural support to the secondcolumn assembly relative to the first column assembly, is coupled to,and supported by, the first and second column assemblies; the removablemidsection member further defines the wiring channel; and the removablemidsection member, the column assemblies, the top frame and the basedefine at least two wiring channels, each having a top, a bottom, afront, a rear and two sides, the column assemblies being disposed on therespective sides of the wiring channels.

In a further feature of this aspect, the first and second columnassemblies each include a respective side panel, wherein the side panelof the first column assembly includes a first set of mounting featureseach adapted to support a first end of removable midsection member, thesecond column assembly includes a second set of mounting features eachadapted to support a second end of the removable midsection member, andthe mounting features of the first set are aligned with the mountingfeatures of the second set such that the removable midsection member maybe supported at any of various locations in the vertical cable manager.

In a further feature of this aspect, the base is adapted to support thecolumn assemblies and top frame in a freestanding state.

The present invention according to a third aspect is a vertical cablemanager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly,parallel to but spaced apart from the first column assembly; a topframe, having a first side assembly having an end projecting forwardlyor rearwardly from a top of the first column assembly, a second sideassembly having an end projecting forwardly or rearwardly, in similarmanner to the first side assembly, from a top of the second columnassembly, and a single cross member connecting the first side assemblyto the second side assembly; and a base connecting a bottom end of thefirst column assembly to a bottom end of the second column assembly;wherein an open space is defined beneath the single cross member of thetop frame to the bottoms of the first and second column assemblies.

In a feature of this aspect, a door, providing substantially noadditional structural support to the second column assembly relative tothe first column assembly, is hingedly coupled to, and supported by, thetop frame and the base.

In further features of this aspect, a removable midsection member,providing substantially no additional structural support to the secondcolumn assembly relative to the first column assembly, is coupled to,and supported by, the first and second column assemblies; the removablemidsection member, the column assemblies, the top frame and the basedefine a wiring channel; and the removable midsection member, the columnassemblies, the top frame and the base define at least two wiringchannels, each having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and two sides,the column assemblies being disposed on the respective sides of thewiring channels.

In a further feature of this aspect, the first and second columnassemblies each include a respective side panel, wherein the side panelof the first column assembly includes a first set of mounting featureseach adapted to support a first end of removable midsection member, thesecond column assembly includes a second set of mounting features eachadapted to support a second end of the removable midsection member, andthe mounting features of the first set are aligned with the mountingfeatures of the second set such that the removable midsection member maybe supported at any of various locations in the vertical cable manager.

In further features of this aspect, the base is adapted to rest on, andbe supported by, a floor in a room; and the base is adapted to supportthe column assemblies and top frame in a freestanding state.

The present invention according to a fourth aspect is a vertical cablemanager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly,parallel to but spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frameconnecting a top end of the first column assembly to a top end of thesecond column assembly; and a base connecting a bottom end of the firstcolumn assembly to a bottom end of the second column assembly; whereinat least one of the top frame and the base includes a member utilizingtubular construction to provide structural rigidity between the firstand second column assemblies.

In a feature of this aspect, the top frame and the base each include amember utilizing tubular construction to provide structural rigiditybetween the first and second column assemblies.

In a further feature of this aspect, the top frame includes a crossmember utilizing tubular construction to provide structural rigiditybetween the first and second column assemblies.

In further features of this aspect, the top frame has a first sideassembly coupled to the top end of the first column assembly; a secondside assembly coupled to the top end of the second column assembly; anda cross member, interconnecting the first and second side assemblies;and the first side assembly, second side assembly and cross member eachutilize tubular construction to provide structural rigidity between thefirst and second column assemblies.

In further features of this aspect, the base has a rectangular framethat includes two side members and two cross members; the rectangularframe supports the vertical cable manager on a floor of a room; the twoside members utilize tubular construction to provide structural rigiditybetween the first and second column assemblies; and the first and secondside assemblies are each mounted on top of, and are supported by, arespective side member of the base.

In a further feature of this aspect, each of the first and second columnassemblies has a first member, including a side panel, extending from abottom of the column assembly to a top of the column assembly; and firstand second brackets, formed separately from the first member but rigidlyattached thereto, each including a portion, orthogonally disposedrelative to the side panel, extending from the bottom of the columnassembly to the top of the column assembly.

The present invention according to a fifth aspect is a vertical cablemanager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly,parallel to but spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frameconnecting a top end of the first column assembly to a top end of thesecond column assembly; and a base connecting a bottom end of the firstcolumn assembly to a bottom end of the second column assembly; whereineach of the first and second column assemblies has a first member,including a side panel, extending from a bottom of the column assemblyto a top of the column assembly, and first and second brackets, formedseparately from the first member but rigidly attached thereto, eachincluding a portion, orthogonally disposed relative to the side panel,extending from the bottom of the column assembly to the top of thecolumn assembly.

In a feature of this aspect, the first and second brackets are welded tothe first member.

In a further feature of this aspect, each bracket includes at least twoplanar members that are orthogonally disposed relative to one anothersuch a first planar member is orthogonally disposed relative to the sidepanel and a second planar member is parallel to, but spaced apart from,the side panel.

In further features of this aspect, the first member of each columnassembly includes, first and second flanges, orthogonally disposedrelative to the side panel, and wherein each of the first and secondbrackets is rigidly attached to a respective one of the first and secondflanges; and a column of evenly-spaced mounting apertures are disposedalong the first bracket and penetrate through both the bracket and therespective one of the first and second flanges.

In further features of this aspect, each column assembly includes aplurality of finger projections extending forwardly or rearwardly fromthe first brackets; and the finger projections are a part of a fingeredcable guide mounted to a respective one of the first brackets.

In a further feature of this aspect, the side panel of the first columnassembly includes a first column of mounting features each adapted tosupport a first end of removable midsection member, the second columnassembly includes a second column of mounting features each adapted tosupport a second end of the removable midsection member, and themounting features of the first column are aligned with the mountingfeatures of the second column such that the removable midsection membermay be supported at any of various heights in the vertical cablemanager.

In a further feature of this aspect, side panel of the first columnassembly includes a first row of mounting features each adapted tosupport a first end of removable midsection member, the second columnassembly includes a second row of mounting features each adapted tosupport a second end of the removable midsection member, and themounting features of the first row are aligned with the mountingfeatures of the second row such that the removable midsection member maybe supported at any of various depths in the vertical cable manager.

The present invention according to a sixth aspect is a vertical cablemanager, including a pair of column assemblies, each having a generallyplanar portion with a plurality of mounting locations arranged in aplurality of columns, the mounting locations of one column assemblybeing aligned with the mounting locations of the other column assembly;and a removable midsection member connected between the columnassemblies at the mounting locations; wherein the midsection member isadapted to be repositioned relative to the column assemblies.

In features of this aspect, the midsection member is repositionable toany of various heights by mounting at different mounting locationswithin a selected column; the midsection member is repositionable to anyof various depths by mounting at mounting locations within differentcolumns; and the midsection member is generally C-shaped incross-section.

In further features of this aspect, the mounting locations areapertures; the midsection member includes static tabs at ends thereoffor extending through the apertures of the planar portions; and thevertical cable manager includes a locking key attachable at an end ofthe midsection member and extendable through an aperture of the planarportion for providing stability to the midsection member.

In a further feature of this aspect, the midsection member includes twotelescoping sections, one section being nested within the other, forpermitting adjustment of the length of the midsection member.

In further features of this aspect, the midsection member includes oneor more apertures for mounting accessories thereto; a large cable spoolis mountable to the midsection member; a lashing bar assembly ismountable to the midsection member; and a sub-channel unit is mountableto the midsection member.

The present invention according to a seventh aspect is a vertical cablemanager, including a pair of column assemblies, each having a generallyplanar portion with a plurality of mounting locations arranged in aplurality of columns, the mounting locations of one column assemblybeing aligned with the mounting locations of the other column assembly;and a removable, C-shaped midsection member connected between the columnassemblies at the mounting locations, the midsection members includingtwo telescoping sections, one section being nested within the other, forpermitting adjustment of the length of the midsection member; whereinthe midsection member is adapted to be repositioned relative to thecolumn assemblies.

In features of this aspect, the midsection member is repositionable toany of various heights by mounting at different mounting locationswithin a selected column; or the midsection member is repositionable toany of various depths by mounting at mounting locations within differentcolumns.

In further features of this aspect, the mounting locations areapertures; the midsection member includes static tabs at ends thereoffor extending through the apertures of the planar portions; and/or thevertical cable manager includes locking key attachable at an end of themidsection member and extendable through an aperture of the planarportion for providing stability to the midsection member.

In further features of this aspect, the midsection member includes oneor more apertures for mounting accessories thereto; each telescopingsection includes one or more apertures that are alignable when thetelescoping sections are adjusted relative to one another; a large cablespool is mountable to the midsection member; a lashing bar assembly ismountable to the midsection member; and/or a sub-channel unit ismountable to the midsection member.

The present invention according to an eight aspect is a removablemidsection member for use in connection with a vertical cable manager,including two telescoping sections, one being nested within the other,for adjusting the length of the midsection member between a pair ofcolumn assemblies of the vertical cable manager; and static tabs at eachend thereof for extending through mounting apertures arranged in generalalignment with one another at the respective column assemblies; whereinthe midsection member is adapted to be repositioned relative to thecolumn assemblies to any of various heights or depths.

In features of this aspect, the telescoping sections are each generallyC-shaped in cross-section; or the vertical cable manager furtherincludes a locking key attachable at outermost ends of the telescopingsections and extendable through an aperture of the respective columnassemblies for providing stability to the midsection member.

In further features of this aspect, each telescoping section includesone or more apertures that are alignable when the telescoping sectionsare adjusted relative to one another; a large cable spool is mountableto the telescoping sections; a lashing bar assembly is mountable to thetelescoping sections; and/or a sub-channel unit is mountable to thetelescoping sections.

The present invention according to a ninth aspect is a vertical cablemanager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly,parallel to but spaced apart from the first column assembly; and aplurality of midsection members, independent and spaced apart from oneanother, each having a first end coupled to the first column assemblyand a second end coupled to the second column assembly.

In features of this aspect, the plurality of midsection members includeat least three midsection members; or the midsection members of theplurality of midsection members are distributed along the height of thefirst and second column assemblies.

In a further feature of this aspect, the vertical cable manager includesleast one cable management accessory that is coupled at one end to afirst of the plurality of midsection members and at an opposing end to asecond of the plurality of midsection members, the second midsectionmember being disposed beneath the first midsection member. In stillfurther features a third midsection member is disposed between the firstand second midsection members; no midsection member is disposed betweenthe first and second midsection members; at least one cable managementaccessory includes a lashing bar; at least one cable managementaccessory includes a sub-channel unit having a cable spool coupledthereto; the cable spool includes a gate arm extending orthogonally froma shaft that couples to the sub-channel unit, at least the gate armbeing rotationally repositionable relative to the sub-channel unit;and/or at least one cable management accessory is a first cablemanagement accessory of a first type, the vertical cable manager furthercomprising a second cable management accessory, of a second type, thatis coupled to the first of the plurality of midsection members.

In a further feature of this aspect, the vertical cable manager includesa first cable management accessory of a first type and a second cablemanagement accessory of a second type. In still further features, thefirst cable management accessory is a cable spool and the second cablemanagement accessory is a lashing bar; the first cable managementaccessory is a cable spool and the second cable management accessory isa sub-channel unit having a cable spool mounted thereon; the first cablemanagement accessory is a cable spool of a first type and the secondcable management accessory is a cable spool of a second type; and/or thefirst cable spool has a cylindrical shaft of a first diameter and thesecond cable spool has a cylindrical shaft of a second diameter.

In a further feature of this aspect, each midsection member is spacedapart from the next adjacent midsection member by a distance that is atleast as great as the height of the midsection member.

In still further features of this aspect, the vertical cable managerincludes a base connecting a bottom end of the first column assembly toa bottom end of the second column assembly; a top frame connecting a topend of the first column assembly to a top end of the second columnassembly; and/or a door that is hingedly coupled to, and supported by,the top frame and the base.

In a further feature of this aspect, the vertical cable manager includesa top frame connecting a top end of the first column assembly to a topend of the second column assembly.

The present invention according to a tenth aspect is a vertical cablemanager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly,parallel to but spaced apart from the first column assembly; amidsection member having a first end coupled to the first columnassembly and a second end coupled to the second column assembly; and acable spool, having a gate arm extending orthogonally from a shaft thatis coupled to the midsection member, wherein a portion of the cablespool, including at least the gate arm, is rotationally repositionablerelative to the midsection member.

In features of this aspect, the gate arm and shaft are fixed relative toeach other; the rotationally repositionable portion of the cable spoolincludes the gate arm and the shaft; and/or a longitudinal axis of thegate arm is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

In further features of this aspect, the shaft is cylindrical; or thecable spool is a first cable spool, the vertical cable manager furtherincluding a second cable spool having a cylindrical shaft, a diameter ofthe first cable spool being substantially greater or less than adiameter of the second cable spool.

In still further features of this aspect, the gate arm extends in onedirection, away from the shaft, for a distance that is substantiallygreater than the extension of the gate arm in any other direction awayfrom the shaft; the rotationally repositionable portion of the cablespool is adapted to be removed from the midsection member and recoupledto the midsection member in an orientation that is rotated 90 degreesabout a longitudinal axis of the shaft; the rotationally repositionableportion of the cable spool is adapted to be removed from the midsectionmember and recoupled to the midsection member in any of at least twoother orientations that are rotated about a longitudinal axis of theshaft; and/or the rotationally repositionable portion of the cable spoolis adapted to be removed from the midsection member and recoupled to themidsection member in any of three other orientations that are rotatedabout a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

The present invention according to an eleventh aspect is a lashing barassembly for a vertical cable manager, including a base attachable to atleast a pair of mounting members interconnected between side members,the base including a plurality of apertures; and a lashing bar, each endof which being mountable relative to one of the plurality apertures,thereby forming at least one loop for cable management.

In features of this aspect, the plurality of apertures are slottedopenings; the base includes a mounting tab at each end thereof forattachment relative to the mounting members; the base extends acrossother mounting members without connecting thereto; the lashing barcreates a plurality of loops for cable management; the plurality ofloops subdivides a vertical cable management space between the sidemembers into two vertical channels; the lashing bar is installablerelative to the base by squeezing the ends of the bar toward one anothersuch that the ends of the bar may be fit into corresponding apertures;the base and the lashing bar are made of a metal material; and thelashing bar assembly includes plurality of lashing bars.

The present invention according to a twelfth aspect is a lashing barassembly for a vertical cable manager, including a base attachable to atleast a pair of mounting members interconnected between side members,the base including an edge portion having a plurality of recesses; and alashing bar, each end of which being mountable relative to one of theplurality of recesses, the lashing bar thereby forming a loop for cablemanagement.

In features of this aspect, the plurality of recesses are slottedrecesses; the base includes a mounting tab at each end thereof forattachment relative to the mounting members; the base extends acrossother mounting members without connecting thereto; the lashing bar isinstallable relative to the base by squeezing the ends of the bar towardone another such that the ends of the bar may be fit into correspondingrecesses; the base and the lashing bar are made of a metal material; thelashing bar assembly includes a plurality of lashing bars, each lashingbar forming a loop for cable management; and the plurality of lashingbars subdivides a vertical cable management space between the sidemembers into two vertical channels.

The present invention according to a thirteenth aspect is a verticalcable manager, including a pair of side members; two or more midsectionmembers connected between the pair of side members; and a lashing barassembly connected between at least two midsection members, the lashingbar assembly including a base and a lashing bar mountable relative tothe base, thereby forming at least one loop for cable management.

In features of this aspect, the lashing bar creates a plurality of loopsfor cable management; and the plurality of loops subdivides a verticalcable management space between the side members into two verticalchannels.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description withreference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mounting fixture system utilizing avertical cable manager in accordance with a first preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 1,shown in isolation;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 2,shown with the doors removed;

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the vertical cable manager ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of one of the cable guides of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7B is a rear plan view of one of the doors of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7C is a fragmentary rear orthogonal view of a portion of one of thedoors of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7D is a fragmentary rear orthogonal view of another portion of oneof the doors of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 3, shownwith a plurality of midsection members installed therein;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a midsection member of the vertical cablemanager of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view of the midsection member of FIG.8;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a vertical cable manager in accordancewith a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an alternative midsection member for usein the vertical cable manager of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 8,shown with a plurality of accessories installed on the midsectionmembers thereof;

FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of the vertical cable manager ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical cable manager ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of one of the large cable spools of FIG. 13shown in relation to the midsection member of FIG. 9;

FIG. 20 is a left side view of the large cable spool and midsectionmember of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the large cable spool and midsection member ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the large cable spool and midsection memberof FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a front view of one of the sub-channel units and two of themidsection members of FIG. 13;

FIG. 24 is a partially exploded isometric view of the sub-channel unitof FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a left side view of the sub-channel unit of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a right side view of the sub-channel unit of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a top view of the sub-channel unit of FIG. 23;

FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical cable manager ofFIG. 13, shown with the accessories disposed in a first alternativearrangement;

FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical cable manager ofFIG. 13, shown with the accessories disposed in a second alternativearrangement;

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a vertical cable manager in accordancewith a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a front view of a vertical cable manager similar to that ofFIG. 13, shown with a first alternative lashing bar assembly;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the lashing bar assembly of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is an isometric view of the lashing bar assembly of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of the base of a second alternative lashingbar assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that of FIG.13;

FIG. 35 is an isometric view of the base of a third alternative lashingbar assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that of FIG.13; and

FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the base of a fourth alternative lashingbar assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that of FIG.13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosedby the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likecomponents throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention are next described. The following description ofthe preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mounting fixture system 10 utilizing avertical cable manager 30 in accordance with a first preferredembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the system 10 includestwo conventional two-post mounting racks 20, between which is disposedthe vertical cable manager 30. Each two-post mounting rack 20 includes apair of vertical support members 12,14, connected at their upper ends bya pair of upper cross-members 16 and at their lower ends by a pair oflower cross-members 18. The posts 12,14 are arranged to support avariety of electronic equipment, accessories and the like, all as iswell known.

It will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan that the arrangementillustrated in FIG. 1 may be a preferred implementation of one or moreof the vertical cable managers described and illustrated herein.However, it will be appreciated that the vertical cable manager of thepresent invention may be utilized with a variety of mounting fixtures,for example including mounting fixtures formed from four support poststhat may or may not be covered by panels to form an enclosure; and thatmounting fixtures may be alternatively located on one or both sides ofthe cable manager 30, or alternatively may be used in isolation, asdescribed below.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vertical cable manager 30 of FIG. 1,shown in isolation. As shown therein, the vertical cable manager 30includes a base 32, an interconnected double-spine assembly 40 topped bya top frame 50, and a pair of doors 38. The double-spine assembly 40 issupported by the base 32, thus avoiding the necessity of supporting theapparatus 30 on an adjoining mounting fixture. Each door 38 is removablycoupled at each lower corner to the base 32 and at each upper corner tothe top frame 50, thus permitting each door 38 to be opened or hingedalong either of its lateral sides or removed entirely. Each of thesecomponents will be described in greater detail herein.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are an isometric view and an exploded isometric view,respectively, of the vertical cable manager 30 of FIG. 2, shown with thedoors 36 removed, and FIGS. 5-7 are a front, side and top view of thevertical cable manager 30 of FIG. 3. As perhaps best illustrated in FIG.4, the base 32 comprises a frame that includes two side members 34 andtwo cross members 36, with the length of the side members 34 and thelength of the cross members 36 defining the depth and width,respectively, of the vertical cable manager 30. In at least oneembodiment, the side members 34 are rectangular tubes. In at least oneembodiment, the side members 34 are formed from flat sheet metal. Thebase 32 serves both to support the interconnected double-spine assembly40 and to support the doors 38, but these functions may be separated,for example through the use of separate components for each function.The base frame members 34,36 are interconnected using any appropriateconnection means, including fasteners as shown in FIG. 4. In at leastone embodiment, the cross members 36 are riveted to the side members 34.

The interconnected double-spine assembly 40 includes two spineassemblies 42, each having a plurality of ribbed or fingered cableguides 44,45 extending forwardly and a plurality of ribbed or fingeredcable guides 44,45 extending rearwardly from a vertical support column46. The spine assemblies 42 are interconnected at their lower ends bythe base 32 and at their upper ends by the top frame 50. In at least oneembodiment, the spine assemblies 42 are welded to the side members 34 ofthe base 32. In at least one embodiment, each support column 46 iscomprised of two brackets 60,61 that are resistance welded to a flatpanel 59 to form a unit having a C-shaped cross-section perhaps bestseen in FIG. 4. The combination of the brackets 60,61, lateral portion59 and the tubes of the base side members 34 provides tensionalresistance when the manager is under load. In at least one otherembodiment, each support column 46 may be formed from a C-shaped sectionof metal, producing a lateral portion 59, a front bracket 60 and a rearbracket 61. Penetrating each of the front and rear brackets 60,61 are aseries of preferably evenly-spaced square apertures 48 and a number ofsmall round apertures 49 interspersed therebetween. The front and rearbrackets 60,61 and the apertures 48,49 penetrating therethrough arearranged for specific purposes, at least some of which will be describedbelow, but it will be appreciated that these same purposes may beaccomplished using spine assemblies whose design and constructiondiffers from that described herein, all without departing from the scopeof the present invention.

The top frame 50 includes two side assemblies 52 and a cross member 54.As perhaps best seen in FIG. 18, the cross member 54 is a rectangulartube that is welded to the side assemblies 52. The tube providestensional resistance when the cable manager 30 is under load. Althoughin at least one embodiment the side assemblies 52 and cross member 54are three separate components, it will be appreciated that the sideassemblies 52 and cross member 54 could instead be reduced to a singlecomponent with the same results obtained thereby.

Each side assembly 52 includes a portion for mounting to the top of arespective support column 46 and a horizontal rail. A hinge/latchinterface 56, including a hinge pin socket 57, is disposed at each ofthe distal ends of the horizontal rails, thereby providing hinge andlatch functions for each lateral side of each door 38 as furtherdescribed hereinbelow. The cross member 54 stabilizes the upper ends ofthe spine assemblies 42, fixing the distance therebetween. Optionally,additional interconnection between the spine assemblies 42 may beprovided by midsection members 80, described hereinbelow.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of one of the cable guides 44 of FIG. 4.The fingered cable guides 44,45, which may be of different lengths, eachinclude a linear projection support bracket 62 and a plurality ofT-shaped projections 63 extending therefrom. Evenly-spaced snapfasteners 64 extend from the projection support brackets 62 in theopposite direction from the T-shaped projections 63 for mating with therectangular apertures 48 in the front and rear brackets 60,61 of thesupport column 46.

The cable guide 44,45 may be mounted on a front or rear bracket 60,61 ofthe support column 46 by aligning the snap fasteners 64 with therectangular apertures 48 in the support column 46 and then pressing thefasteners 64 through the apertures 48. As the fasteners 64 are inserted,one or more preferably-beveled portion of each fastener 64 may makecontact with the support column 46, thus urging the deflection thereof,until the fasteners 64 are inserted a sufficient distance and “snap”into place, thereby retaining the guide 44,45 and preventing itsremoval. Each cable guide 44,45 may be further secured to the respectivesupport column 46 by inserting fasteners (not shown) through the smallround apertures 49 in the support column 46.

Each T-shaped projection 63 includes a reinforced base 65, a shaft 66and a crosspiece 67. Each pair of adjacent T-shaped projections 63defines a cable ring 68 formed by the respective bases 65, shafts 66 andcrosspieces 67 of the projections 63 and the body of the projectionsupport bracket 62. An opening into each cable ring 68 is provided by agap 69 between the ends of the crosspieces 67 of each pair of adjacentprojections 63. This gap 69 permits cables to be inserted into the ring68 by passing them sideways through the gap 69, as described further inthe aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

The respective projections 63 are evenly spaced along the length of thecable guide 44,45 at a standardized spacing. In the embodiment shown anddescribed, the spacing between the respective projections 63 is equal toa single standard rack mounting unit (“RMU”), but it should be obviousthat other standard spacings could be used such as spacings measured inalternative units or spacings which are multiples of the RMU. By usingsuch a standard spacing, it is ensured that a cable ring 68 is disposedat, and dedicated to, each RMU along the height of a rack 20. Thebenefit of this is further described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No.7,119,282.

Because each cable guide 44,45 is formed separately from the supportcolumn 46 and subsequently attached thereto, rather than being formedintegrally therewith, each cable guide 44,45 may be formed from adifferent material than the support column 46. Thus, although thesupport column 46 may preferably be formed from metal, each cable guide44,45 may be injection-molded from plastic in order to create rounded orbeveled edges along the edges of the T-shaped projections 63. Variousadvantages of such an arrangement are described in the aforementionedU.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282.

FIGS. 7B-7D are a rear plan view and two fragmentary rear orthogonalviews, respectively, of one of the doors of FIG. 2. Each door 38includes a panel 70, two knobs 71 (perhaps best seen in FIG. 2), two rodinterfaces 72, two upper rods 73 and two lower rods 74, and upper andlower reinforcement structures 75. Each rod 73,74 has a rod tip 76,functioning as a hinge pin, that is biased in an extended position(perhaps best shown in FIG. 7C) by a coil spring 77 attached at one endto the rod tip 76 and is held in place at its end by a surface on one ofthe reinforcement structures 75. Each knob 71 is coupled through thepanel 70 to a respective rod interface 72. Referring to FIG. 7C, eachrod interface 72 is rotatably coupled to proximal ends of an upper rod73 and a lower rod 74 such that when the knob 71, and thus the rodinterface 72, is rotated by a user, the rods 73,74 coupled to that rodinterface 72 are pulled inward, thereby retracting the rod tips 76 intoa respective end of the door 38. On the other hand, when the knob 71 isreleased, the springs 77 force the rod tips 76 from their retractedposition back their extended position, pulling the rods 73,74 outwardand rotating the rod interface 72, and thus the knob 71, back to itsoriginal state.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 7B, each rod tip 76 is disposed close to acorner of the door panel 70, directly above or below, as appropriate, aknob 71 and rod interface 72. As seen in FIG. 7C, each upper rod 73includes an offset portion 79 to align the upper rod tip 76 with thelower rod tip 76, thereby defining a hinge axis along each lateral sideof the door 38. In this location, each rod tip 76 is arranged to extendinto the hinge pin socket 57 (shown in FIG. 7) of a correspondinghinge/latch interface 56 in the top frame 50. Each hinge/latch interface56, in turn, nestles within a partial shroud 78 (seen in FIG. 7D).

In use, each rod tip 76 is biased in its extended position into acorresponding hinge pin socket 57 in the top frame 50, thereby closingthe door 38 along each side, as shown in FIG. 2. To open the door 38along either side, the knob 71 on that side may be turned, therebyrotating the rod interface and retracting the rod tips 76 on the rods73,74 coupled thereto. The door 38 may then be swung open on the rodtips 76, functioning as hinge pins, along the opposite side thereof.Once released, the knob 71 may return to its original position by thebiasing action of the springs on the rod tips 76 and thus through therods 73,74 to the rod interface 72. The door 38 may be closed andlatched shut again by turning the knobs 71 to retract the hinge pins 76,swinging the door 38 back to the position shown in FIG. 2 wherein eachhinge/latch interface 56 is nestled within its corresponding shroud 78.In this disposition, the hinge pins 76 are thereby aligned with thehinge pin sockets 57, and so releasing the knob 71 allows it to rotateto its original position as the hinge pins 76 are extended once moreinto their sockets 57. If the door 38 is to be removed entirely, asshown in FIG. 3, then the knobs 71 on both sides are turned, retractingall four rod tips 76, and the door 38 may be lifted from the hinge/latchinterfaces and removed entirely.

As described previously, midsection members 80 may optionally provideadditional interconnection between the spine assemblies 42. FIG. 8 is afront view of the vertical cable manager 30 of FIG. 3, shown with aplurality of midsection members 80 installed therein. In the illustratedembodiment, five midsection members 80 are utilized and they are spacedevenly along approximately the entire height of the cable manager 30.However, it will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan that, in at leastsome embodiments, different numbers of midsection members 80 may beused, that their spacing may be greater or lesser than that shown, andthat they may alternatively be arranged at irregular intervals,provided, of course, that appropriate mounting means and locations areprovided on the columns 46.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are an isometric view and an exploded isometric view,respectively, of a midsection member 80 of the vertical cable manager 30of FIG. 8. Each midsection member 80 includes two telescoping sections82,83, one nested inside the other, and a pair of locking keys 84. Eachsection 82,83 is generally C-shaped in cross-section with a static tab86 extending downward from each of the upper and lower distal ends. Themain portion of each section 82,83 is preferably penetrated by aplurality of mounting openings that may include pairs of slots 87,groupings of apertures 88,89, individual apertures 101, or the like. Inthe illustrated embodiment, two pairs of slots 87 are included near thedistal end of each telescoping section 82,83, and a grouping of roundapertures 88 is included near the proximal end of first section while acorresponding grouping of slotted apertures 89 is included near theproximal end of the second section such that when installed normally,the two groupings of apertures 88,89 are aligned with each other for oneor more purposes described hereinbelow.

In at least some embodiments, including those illustrated, a relativelysimple mounting mechanism is preferred in order to simplify installationand adjustment. More particularly, the tabs 86 are arranged to interfacewith the square apertures 58 in the lateral portions 59 of the supportcolumns 46 of the spine assemblies 42. Such apertures 58 are preferablyarranged at regular intervals along the height of the support columns 46with the interval chosen to match the vertical distance between thestatic tabs 86 at the upper and lower ends of each section 82,83. Toinstall one of the midsection members 80, the two sections 82,83 are fittogether and telescoped to approximately the proper distance between thetwo support columns 46. The midsection member 80 is then positioned sothat the static tabs 86 are disposed adjacent a desired set of squareapertures 58 in the support columns 46 and manipulated in such a way asto maneuver the static tabs 86 through the selected apertures 58. Oncethrough, the member 80 is lowered until each static tab 86 hangs overthe bottom edge of its respective aperture, as is visible in FIGS. 15and 16. In this disposition, the midsection member 80 provides somelateral stability between the two support columns 46.

Stability may be further enhanced through use of the locking keys 84.Each locking key 84 is connected to the end of one of the midsectionsections 80 via a fastener 85 passing through a slotted aperture 81(perhaps best seen in FIG. 10). The locking key 84 may thus be disposedin an extended state (visible at the right end of the midsection member80 of FIG. 9) or a retracted state (visible at the left end of themidsection member 80 of FIG. 9). In the extended state, the locking key84 provides additional stability for an installed midsection member 80via contact with the front or rear edge of the square aperture 58through which it extends. In the retracted state, the locking key 84 iswithdrawn from the aperture 58, thus making it easier to install orremove the midsection member 80, and more particularly the respectivestatic tab 86, from the support column 46. Each locking key 84 may befixed in place via the fastener 85.

In an alternative not illustrated herein, midsection members of a fixedlength may be substituted for the two-section midsection members 80illustrated herein. Furthermore, the midsection members 80 may bescrewed or welded to the support columns 46.

As will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan, a vertical cable manager asdescribed and illustrated herein may be provided in various dimensionsand proportions without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a vertical cablemanager 130 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The vertical cable manager 130 in FIG. 11 is tallerthan that of FIGS. 1-8 (and has correspondingly more T-shapedprojections 63 and square apertures 58) and is narrower than that ofFIGS. 1-8. Of course, other vertical cable managers may be taller,shorter, wider, narrower, or permutations thereof.

As shown therein, the vertical cable manager 130 of FIG. 11 includes abase 132, an interconnected double-spine assembly 140, and a pair ofdoors (not shown). The base 132 comprises a frame that includes two sidemembers 34 and two cross members 136, with the length of the sidemembers 34 and the length of the cross members 136 once again definingthe depth and width, respectively, of the vertical cable manager 130.The interconnected double-spine assembly 140 includes two spineassemblies 142, each having a plurality of fingered cable guides 44,45extending from a vertical support column 146. The spine assemblies 142are interconnected at their lower ends by the base 132 and at theirupper ends by a top frame 150, which includes two side assemblies 52 anda cross member 154.

Other than dimensions and proportions, the design of the vertical cablemanager 130 of FIG. 11 is generally similar to that of FIGS. 1-8 exceptfor use of an alternative midsection member 90, an isometric view ofwhich is shown in FIG. 12. The alternative midsection member 90 includestwo telescoping sections 92,93, one nested inside the other, and a pairof locking keys 84. Like those of FIGS. 9 and 10, each section 92,93 isgenerally C-shaped in cross-section with a static tab 86 extendingdownward from each of the upper and lower distal ends. The main portionof each section 92,93 is preferably penetrated by a plurality ofmounting openings that may include pairs of slots 87, or the like;however, there may not be sufficient room in the sections 92,93 for asmany openings as in the member 80 of FIGS. 9 and 10. In the illustratedembodiment, two pairs of slots 87 are included near the distal end ofeach telescoping section 92,93. The design, construction and operationof the locking keys 84 and static tabs 86 are the same as in FIGS. 9-10.

FIGS. 13-18 are an isometric view, an exploded isometric view, a frontview, a side view, a top view and a side cross-sectional view,respectively, of the vertical cable manager 30 of FIG. 8, shown with aplurality of accessories installed on the midsection members 80 thereof.In the illustrated implementation, the accessories include two largecable spools 94, three lashing bars 98, and two sub-channel units 100.Of course, greater or lesser numbers of accessories may alternatively beutilized, and there is no need to use accessories of all of theillustrated types. Each type of accessory will be further describedhereinbelow.

FIGS. 19-22 are an isometric view, a left side view, a rear view and afront view, respectively, of one of the large cable spools 94 of FIG. 13shown in relation to the midsection member 80 of FIG. 9. As showntherein, the cable spool 94 includes an oval spool head 95 mountedperpendicularly to a semi-conical shaft 96 that has a slight inwardtaper, perhaps best seen in FIG. 20, along its extent from the spoolhead 95. The length of the shaft 96 is preferably selected such that,when mounted on a midsection member 80 in a forward-most position (morefully described hereinbelow), the spool 94 extends most but not all ofthe way to the distal ends of the T-shaped projections 63. In theillustrated implementation, this permits the spool 94 to be used for themajority of cables (not shown) routed through the front of the cablemanager 30, but also permits a portion of such cables to be routed infront of the spool 94 if desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spool 94 is hollow, but alternativelymay be semi-hollow or solid, if desired, without departing from thescope of the present invention. The distal end of the spool 94 ispreferably solid but is penetrated by one or more (two in theillustrated embodiment) mounting apertures 97 that correspond inarrangement to apertures in the groups of apertures 88,89 in themidsection member 80, thus permitting attachment to the midsectionmember 80 using fasteners (not shown).

In use, the cross member 54 of the top frame 50 and the midsectionmembers 80 define front and rear wiring channels or paths 27,28, asshown in FIG. 13. Cables may be routed up or down through these channels27,28 to a desired elevation and then routed In use, wires, opticalfiber and other cables (not shown) are routed up or down through thesechannels 27,28 to a desired elevation and then routed through theprojections 63 of the cable guides 44,45 to an adjacent mounting fixture20 or the like. Either or both of these channels 27,28 may beeffectively segregated further through the use of one or more of thespools 94. This is illustrated, by way of example, by the spools 94 inthe front channel 27 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 17. Each spoolshaft 96 provides a radius of curvature that corresponds to one or morestandards, such as for fiber cables. In addition, each spool head 95prevents cables that are installed between the spool head 95 and themidsection member 80 from moving forward, away from the midsectionmember 80, a feature perhaps best understood with reference to FIG. 17.The large spool 94 may be installed in either of two orientationsthrough selection of the appropriate mounting apertures in the groupingof apertures 88,89 on the midsection member 80. Alternatively, smallergroups of apertures 88,89 may be provided on the midsection member 80and additional mounting apertures 97 may be provided on the spool 94,thereby accomplishing the same functionality. When installed in oneorientation, using selected subsets of the groups of apertures 88,89,the oval spool head 95 is aligned vertically (as shown in the variousillustrations), while when installed in another orientation (not shown),using different selected subsets of the groups of apertures 88,89, theoval spool head 95 is aligned horizontally.

The midsection members 80 utilized herein also make it easier to routecables back and forth between the front and rear wiring channels 27,28.More particularly, wide vertical gaps 26 are established between themidsection members 80, each considerably taller and wider than prior artopenings, which were self-contained within a wall that extended theentire vertical length of each prior art double-sided cable manager.Still-larger gaps 26 may be established by omitting intermediatemidsection members 80 altogether. This system provides considerableflexibility for front-to-back wiring while still providing a flexiblesystem of cable management features and structures.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 15, the lashing bars 98 are mounted so asto extend in parallel with the front wiring channel 27 generally. Eachlashing bar 98 may be attached to a pair of midsection members 80 viafasteners, such as bolts, extending through apertures 101 in themidsection members 80. As shown in FIG. 15, they may extend acrossanother midsection member 80 without connecting thereto. Althoughlashing bars 98 of only one length are shown in FIG. 15, it will beapparent that other lengths may likewise be used. Each lashing barprovides a convenient structure for tying off bundles of cables thereto,thereby preventing the cables from shifting around within the wiringchannel 27.

FIG. 31 is a front view of a vertical cable manager 330 similar to thatof FIG. 13, shown with a first alternative lashing bar assembly 199,while FIGS. 32 and 33 are a front view and an isometric view,respectively, of the lashing bar assembly 199 of FIG. 31. As showntherein, the first alternative lashing bar assembly 199 includes aplurality of individual lashing bars 198 mounted on a base 203 viaopenings 211 therein, each bar creating a separate loop or hump forcable management. The base 203 includes a mounting tab 213 at each endsuch that it may be attached to a pair of midsection members 80 viafasteners, such as bolts, extending through apertures 101 in themidsection members 80. As shown in FIG. 31, they may extend acrossanother midsection member 80 without connecting thereto. Although alashing bar 198 of only one length is shown in FIG. 31, it will beapparent that other lengths may likewise be used. Each lashing bar 198in the assembly 199 provides a convenient structure for tying offbundles of cables thereto, thereby preventing the cables from shiftingaround within a wiring channel defined by the vertical cable manager330.

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of the base 303 of a second alternativelashing bar assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to thatof FIG. 13. As shown therein, the base 303 has a plurality of slottedopenings 311 in which one or more individual lashing bars (not shown)may be mounted. Each bar may create a separate loop or hump for cablemanagement, similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 33. The base 303includes a mounting tab 313 at each end such that it may be attached toa pair of midsection members 80 via fasteners, such as bolts, extendingthrough apertures 101 in the midsection members 80. The base 303 mayextend across another midsection member 80 without connecting thereto.Although a base 303 of only one length is shown in FIG. 34, it will beapparent that other lengths may likewise be used. Each lashing bar inthe assembly provides a convenient structure for tying off bundles ofcables thereto, thereby preventing the cables from shifting aroundwithin a wiring channel defined by a vertical cable manager.

FIG. 35 is an isometric view of the base 403 of a third alternativelashing bar assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to thatof FIG. 13. As shown therein, the base 403 has a plurality of slottedrecesses 411, along each edge thereof, in which one or more individuallashing bars (not shown) may be mounted. Each bar may create a separateloop or hump for cable management, similar to the arrangement shown inFIG. 33. It will be appreciated that lashing bars may be installed oneither or both edges of the base 403. The base 403 includes a mountingtab 413 at each end such that it may be attached to a pair of midsectionmembers 80 via fasteners, such as bolts, extending through apertures 101in the midsection members 80. The base 403 may extend across anothermidsection member 80 without connecting thereto. Although a base 403 ofonly one length is shown in FIG. 34, it will be apparent that otherlengths may likewise be used. Each lashing bar in the assembly providesa convenient structure for tying off bundles of cables thereto, therebypreventing the cables from shifting around within a wiring channeldefined by a vertical cable manager.

FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the base of a fourth alternative lashingbar assembly 499 for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that ofFIG. 13. As shown therein, the fourth alternative lashing bar assembly499 includes a single lashing bar 498, with a plurality of loops orhumps, mounted on a base 503 via openings 511,515 therein. The base 503includes a mounting tab 513 at each end such that it may be attached toa pair of midsection members 80 via fasteners, such as bolts, extendingthrough apertures 101 in the midsection members 80. The assembly 499 mayextend across another midsection member 80 without connecting thereto.Although a lashing bar assembly 499 of only one length is shown in FIG.36, it will be apparent that other lengths may likewise be used. Eachloop or hump in the lashing bar 498 in the assembly 499 provides aconvenient structure for tying off bundles of cables thereto, therebypreventing the cables from shifting around within a wiring channeldefined by a vertical cable manager. The lashing bar 498 may beinstalled on the base 503 by squeezing the ends of the bar 498 inward,thereby permitting the ends of the bar 498 to be inserted in keyholeslots 515 in the base. Portions of the bar 498 between the loops orhumps may be inserted to slot openings 511 correspondingly arranged inthe base 503.

Each type of lashing bar assembly provides loops or humps that in theinterior of a vertical cable manager, allowing cable bundles inside thevertical cable manager to be anchored near the rear of the cablemanagement space thereby increasing the utilization of the verticalcable manager's capacity to house and route cables.

As described previously, conventional tie-down features included suchdevices as bridge lances or punched slots in the sheet metal comprisingthe rear “wall” of the cable management space. The use of such featuresrequired a more tedious “threading” of Velcro ties. Furthermore,previous methods almost uniformly required that Velcro tie wraps bethreaded through bridge lances or through punched slots in sheet metal,often requiring access to both the front and the rear of the manager.

The various lashing bars described or illustrated herein each allow fora single person remaining on one side of the vertical manager to easilywrap a Velcro tie wrap around the cable bundle and the lashing bar,securing the cable bundle and drawing it back into the rear of the cablemanagement space. The “loops” or “humps” of the various alternativelashing bar assemblies provide additional security for insuring anchoredcable bundles do not slip vertically from the point where they wereanchored and also provide a means for subdividing the cable managementspace vertically within the vertical cable manager.

Each bar assembly provides a rigid beam to which a flexible butgenerally stiff bundle of data/communications cables may be anchored.Each bar assembly makes use of Velcro or other tie wraps much easierthan threading such ties through small sheet metal features. The greaterease of use as well as not being confined to a limited number oftie-down points creates a more flexible cable management space andallows for greater utilization of the potential capacity of the verticalcable manager. The “loops” provide a means to subdivide the verticalcable management space into two or more vertical channels, allowing formore specific routing spaces for cable within the manager.

Each lashing bar and/or bar assembly can be made from solid, round metalbar stock, formed sheet metal, extruded metal (such as aluminum) orcomposite, or a variety of other materials. As illustrated, the barassembly can be provided in a simple straight section with or withoutperforations down its length, with or without repeating strain relieffeatures down the length, or can include one or more “loop” featureswhich are affixed to the bar.

It will be appreciated that in some contexts, the single lashing bar 98of FIG. 13 may be referred to as a lashing bar assembly.

FIG. 23 is a front view of one of the sub-channel units 100 and two ofthe midsection members 80 of FIG. 13. As shown therein, the sub-channelunit 100 may be mounted to two appropriately-spaced midsection members80 by inserting fasteners (not shown) through apertures 102 in thesub-channel unit 100 and corresponding apertures 101 (perhaps best seenin FIG. 9) in the sections 82,83 of the midsection members 80. Themounting apertures 102 in the sub-channel unit 100 may be slotted so asto facilitate a small amount of adjustment to accommodate slightvariances in the distances between midsection members 80.

FIGS. 24-27 are a partially exploded isometric view, a left side view, aright side view and a top view, respectively, of the sub-channel unit100 of FIG. 23. Each sub-channel unit 100 includes a back plate 104 andone or more repositionable handle spools 110. In the embodiment shown,four repositionable handle spools 110 are aligned along the back plate104, but it will be appreciated that greater or fewer numbers of spools110 may be used. Further, in at least some embodiments, the handlespools 110 are not rotatable; in at least some embodiments, the handlespools 110 are mounted on separate back plates (not shown) that arealigned; in at least some embodiments, the illustrated handle spools 110are replaced by spools of at least one other shape; in at least someembodiments, the handle spools 110 are arranged horizontally instead ofvertically; and in at least some embodiments, the handle spools 110 arearranged in more than one column or row.

Each handle spool 110 includes a gate arm 112 mounted perpendicularly toa cylindrical shaft 114 that extends from a repositionable base 116. Thegate arm 112, shaft 114 and base 116 may be integrally formed viainjection molding or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, at leastsome portions of the spool 110 are hollow, but alternatively may besemi-hollow or solid, if desired, without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. A cap 117, which may also be injection molded,may be used to cover the end of the shaft 114.

The length of the shaft 114 is preferably selected such that, when theunit 100 is mounted on a midsection member 80 in a forward-most position(more fully described hereinbelow), the spool 110 extends a significantportion (in at least one embodiment, approximately halfway) of the wayto the distal ends of the T-shaped projections 63. In the illustratedimplementation, this permits the spool 110 to be used for the asignificant subset of any cables (not shown) routed through the front ofthe cable manager 30, but also permits a portion of such cables to berouted in front of the spool 110 if desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, the repositionable base 116 includes agenerally cylindrical stub 118, around which are disposed four resilientbosses 120 that may be depressed radially inwardly relative to the stub118, and a coaxial seating flange 122. In the illustrated embodiment,the bosses 120 are arranged evenly around the cylindrical stub 118 at 90degree intervals, but it will be appreciated that such spacing need notbe even, and that other numbers of bosses 120 may be utilized. Asperhaps best seen in FIG. 27, each boss 120 is attached to the stub 118near the end of the stub 118 and extends away from the end of the stub118 in a hollow or opening defined by the side of the stub 118. Eachboss 118 includes a beveled deflection face 124 and a stepped retentionface 126.

The back plate 104 of the sub-channel unit 100 includes a primarymounting plate 105 and a handle spool shelf 106. The primary mountingplate 105 is penetrated by a plurality of mounting apertures 107arranged to align with individual apertures 101 on the midsectionmembers 80, and may be attached to the midsection members 80 withfasteners (not shown) inserted therethrough. The primary mounting plate105 is further penetrated by a plurality of access openings and cutawaysto provide access to other fasteners and mounting apertures on variousmidsection members 80 mounted therebehind if necessary.

The shelf 106 includes a plurality of spool openings 108 for receivingthe mounting stubs 118 of the respective handle spools 110. In theillustrated embodiment, there are four spool openings 108 in eachsub-channel unit 100, corresponding to the four handle spools 110mounted thereon, but it will be appreciated that greater or fewernumbers of openings 108 may be provided, and that not all of theopenings 108 necessarily need to be occupied. Each opening 108 isgenerally circular but with a plurality of small recesses 109 arrangedaround the periphery thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, therecesses 109 are arranged evenly around each opening 108 at 90 degreeintervals, but it will be appreciated that such spacing need not beeven, and that other numbers of recesses 109 may be utilized, so long ascorrespondence to the bosses 120 on the handle spool stubs 118 ismaintained. It will be appreciated, however, that a greater number ofrecesses 109 than bosses 120 may be provided, so long as there is atleast one and preferably a plurality of different dispositions in whichthe stubs 118 may be mounted in the openings 108.

To insert a stub 118 into an opening 108, the bosses 120 on the stub 118must be aligned with the recesses 109 around the periphery of theopening 108. Because the bosses 120 and recesses 109 are each arrangedat 90 degree intervals, this may be accomplished with the handle spool110 in any of four rotational orientations. More particularly, the gatearm 112 may be rotated for disposition at any of four differentorientations, with such orientations being at 90 degree intervalsrelative to each other. Preferably, the four orientations include thegate arm 112 being disposed horizontally to the right (when viewed fromthe front, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 23), vertically upward, horizontallyto the left, and vertically downward.

The depth of each recess 109 relative to the edge of its respectiveopening 108 corresponds to the extent of each boss 120 from the side ofits respective stub 118. More particularly, the depth of the recess 109is chosen such that as the stub 118 is pushed through the opening 108,the rim of each recess 109 bears against the beveled deflection face 124on one of the bosses 120, deflecting it radially inward, until thewidest portion is passed and the stepped retention face 126 is reached.Because the stepped retention face 126 is narrower than the widestportion of the bosses 120, each boss 120 then “snaps” into place and isheld in place by an appropriate step or ledge (visible in FIG. 27) onthe retention face 126.

In use, wires, optical fiber and other cables (not shown) are routedalong or around one or more of the spools 110. Each spool shaft 114provides a radius of curvature that corresponds to one or morestandards, such as for fiber cables. In addition, each gate arm 112prevents cables from moving forward, away from the midsection member 80,a feature perhaps best understood with reference to FIG. 17. As notedpreviously, each handle spool 110 may be installed in any one of fourorientations through selection of which bosses 120 are installed inwhich recesses 109. Conveniently, once a handle spool 110 is installed,it may be rotated by simply grasping the gate arm 112 and exerting arelatively minimal pressure in the direction in which it is desired tomove the gate arm 112. The recesses 109 gently depress the bosses 120 ofthe handle spool 110 into the openings thereof, thereby enabling theindexing feature of the handle spool 110. As the spool rotates, thebosses 120 flex into and out of the recesses 109 to provide a rotationaldetent feel. The handle spool 110 may be removed by reaching between theprimary mounting plate 105 and the handle spool shelf 106 and squeezingthe bosses 120 inward enough to permit removal of the stub 118 entirelyby reversing the insertion process described previously. The bosses 120may be squeezed by a user's fingers or via a tool.

Advantageously, the operation of the repositionable handle spools permitcables to be installed along the length of the sub-channel unit 100 andheld in place by the gate arms 112 of the respective handle spools 110mounted thereon. In conjunction with the cylindrical shafts 114 of thespools 110, this provides for retention of such cables along at leastthree boundaries, defined by the primary mounting plate 105, thecylindrical shafts 114, and the gate arms 112. Furthermore, if the unit100 is mounted adjacent a wall of cable guides 44,45, as may be seen inFIG. 17, then a closed channel or wiring path 29 is defined withboundaries on all four sides. Cables may be loaded into a three- orfour-sided channel 29 by removal or rotation of the handle spools 110such that the gate arms 112 do not block the front entrance to thechannel 29 and then insertion or rotation of the spools 110 to closethat entrance and retain the cables in the channel 29. Of course, cablesmay be routed around any of the cylindrical shafts 114 and out of thechannel 29, if desired, with the radius of curvature of the shafts 114ensuring that a minimum turn radius is maintained with regard to eachsuch cable.

Notably, the length of each gate arm 112 may be chosen to assist inretaining the cables as described. In at least one embodiment, thelength of the gate arms 112 is selected to match the width of theprimary mounting plate 105 as illustrated in FIG. 23, thereby permittingthe distal ends of the gate arms 112 to be disposed immediately adjacentthe cable guides 44,45 or other structure disposed along the lateraledge of the cable manager 30. In at least one other embodiment, thelength of the gate arms 112 is selected to be less than the width of theprimary mounting plate 105 so that a gap remains between the distal endsof the gate arms 112 and the adjacent cable guides 44,45 or otherstructure. In at least some embodiments, the unit 100 is mounted asclose to the adjacent cable guides 44,45 or other structure, while inother embodiments the unit 100 is spaced apart from the adjacent cableguides 44,45 or other structure.

In at least some embodiments, a sub-channel unit having a differentarrangement of repositionable handle spools or other spools is utilized,such as one taught or suggested by U.S. Pat. No. 6,600,107, the entiretyof which is incorporated herein by reference. More particularly, in atleast one embodiment, each spool includes a gate arm, extendingperpendicularly from a cylindrical shaft that is repositionable relativeto the shaft. A sub-channel unit may be constructed from one or more ofsuch spools mounted on a back plate, all without departing from thescope of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As referenced previously, the midsection members 80 may preferably bemounted at more than one distance from the front of the cable manager30. This is facilitated by the inclusion of a plurality of columns ofsquare apertures 58 in the lateral portions 59 of the support columns46. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three columns of suchapertures 58, with one column located in the center of the supportcolumn and the other two columns located a uniform distance forward andrearward from the center column. However, it will be appreciated that agreater or lesser number of columns of such apertures 58 mayalternatively be provided.

In FIGS. 13-18, the midsection members 80, and thus the accessoriessupported thereby, are mounted in a forward-most position in the cablemanager 30. However, FIGS. 28 and 29 are side cross-sectional views ofthe vertical cable manager 30 of FIG. 13 with the accessories disposedin first and second alternative arrangements, respectively. Moreparticularly, in FIG. 28, the midsection members 80, and thus theaccessories supported thereby, are mounted in a center position in thecable manager 30, while in FIG. 29, the midsection members 80, and thusthe accessories supported thereby, are mounted in a rearward-mostposition in the cable manager 30. Of course, as used herein, “forward”and “rearward” are relative terms, and it will be apparent to theOrdinary Artisan that any of these arrangements may be reversed suchthat the midsection members 80, and any accessories supported thereby,are oriented in the opposite direction, or for some midsection members80 and accessories to face forward and for others to face rearward.Furthermore, although not illustrated, it will also be appreciated thatcombinations of these arrangements may likewise be accomplished. Forexample, one set of midsection members 80, and accessories supportedthereby, may be mounted in apertures 58 in one of the columns, with theaccessories on it extending in one direction, and another set ofmidsection members 80, and accessories supported thereby, may be mountedin apertures 58 in another of the columns, with the accessories on itextending in the opposite direction. Other permutations will likewise beappreciated by the Ordinary Artisan.

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a single-channel vertical cable manager230 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown therein, this vertical cable manager 230 includes asingle-channel base 232, an interconnected double half-spine assembly240 topped by a single-channel top frame 250, and a front door (notshown). Means may or may not be provided for mounting a rear door on theback of the cable manager 230. The double half-spine assembly 240 issupported by the base 232. The door is similar to the doors 38 of thecable manager 30 of FIG. 2, and in particular is used like the frontdoor 38 of that cable manager 30. The base 232 comprises a frame thatincludes two shortened side members 234 and two cross members 36, withthe length of the shortened side members 234 and the length of the crossmembers 36 defining the depth and width, respectively, of the verticalcable manager 230.

The interconnected double half-spine assembly 240 includes twohalf-spine assemblies 242, each having a plurality of ribbed or fingeredcable guides 44,45 extending only forwardly from a single-channelvertical support column 246. The half-spine assemblies 242 areinterconnected at their lower ends by the base 232 and at their upperends by the top frame 250. Each support column 246 may be formed from agenerally C-shaped section of metal, producing a lateral portion 59, afront bracket 60 and a plain rear bracket 261. Penetrating the frontbracket 60, but preferably not the rear bracket 261, are a series ofpreferably evenly-spaced square apertures, similar to the squareapertures 48 of FIG. 4, and a number of small round apertures, similarto the round apertures 49 of FIG. 4, interspersed therebetween. Thefingered cable guides 44,45 are attached to the front brackets 60 of thesupport columns 246 via the apertures therein.

The top frame 250 includes two shortened side assemblies 252 and a crossmember 54. Each side assembly 252 includes a portion for mounting to thetop of a respective support column 246 and a horizontal rail. Ahinge/latch interface 56 is disposed at each of the distal ends of thehorizontal rails, thereby providing hinge and latch functions for eachlateral side of each door 38. The cross member 54 stabilizes the upperends of the spine assemblies 242, fixing the distance therebetween.Optionally, additional interconnection between the spine assemblies 242may be provided by midsection members 80, like those describedpreviously, attached to the support columns 246 via square apertures(not shown) therein.

Other than the variations in the respective bases 32,232, top frames50,250 and support columns 46,246, wherein the various elements defineonly a single channel for routing cables, the design, construction andoperation of the single-channel vertical cable manager 230 is generallysimilar to that of the double-channel vertical cable manager 30 of FIG.2. Other differences will be understood by the Ordinary Artisan.

An important function of the various aspects of the present inventiondescribed and illustrated herein is to provide installers with a widevariety of options for cable management in a vertical cable manager.Thus, it will be appreciated that various combinations and permutationsof the spools, members, lashing bars, and the like are all within thescope of the present invention, and indeed such flexibility isconsidered to be an inventive aspect in its own right.

Based on the foregoing information, it is readily understood by thosepersons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible ofbroad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of thepresent invention other than those specifically described herein, aswell as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements,will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present inventionand the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from thesubstance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while thepresent invention has been described herein in detail in relation to itspreferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure isonly illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is mademerely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure ofthe invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construedto limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such otherembodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalentarrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claimsappended hereto and the equivalents thereof. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for the purpose of limitation.

1. A vertical cable manager, comprising: a first column assembly; asecond column assembly, parallel to but spaced apart laterally from thefirst column assembly; a top frame, at least including two side membersand one cross member, connecting a top end of the first column assemblyto a top end of the second column assembly; and a base connecting abottom end of the first column assembly to a bottom end of the secondcolumn assembly and extending forward and rearward from the first andsecond column assemblies such that the column assemblies are connectedat central locations, front to back, of the base; wherein the baseincludes: a side-to-side cross member, and a front-to-back side memberutilizing tubular construction to provide structural rigidity betweenthe first and second column assemblies; and wherein the first and secondcolumn assemblies each include a cable guide to guide cables verticallytherebetween, each cable guide defining one or more cable rings to guidecables laterally from between the first and second column assemblies toan adjacent mounting fixture.
 2. The vertical cable manager of claim 1,wherein the two side members of the top frame are each a front-to-backside member utilizing tubular construction to provide structuralrigidity between the first and second column assemblies.
 3. The verticalcable manager of claim 1, wherein the cross member of the top frame is aside-to-side cross member utilizing tubular construction to providestructural rigidity between the first and second column assemblies. 4.The vertical cable manager of claim 1, wherein: a first of the two sidemembers of the top frame is part of a first side assembly and is coupledto the top end of the first column assembly; a second of the two sidemembers of the top frame is part of a second side assembly and iscoupled to the top end of the second column assembly; and the crossmember is a side-to-side cross member, interconnecting the first andsecond side assemblies.
 5. The vertical cable manager of claim 4,wherein the first side assembly, second side assembly and side-to-sidecross member each utilize tubular construction to provide structuralrigidity between the first and second column assemblies.
 6. The verticalcable manager of claim 1, wherein the side-to-side cross member of thebase is one of two side-to-side cross members, wherein the front-to-backside member of the base is one of two front-to-back side members, andwherein the two side-to-side cross members of the base and the twofront-to-back side members of the base together form a rectangularframe.
 7. The vertical cable manager of claim 6, wherein the rectangularframe supports the vertical cable manager on a floor of a room.
 8. Thevertical cable manager of claim 6, wherein the first and second columnassemblies are each mounted on top of, and are supported by, arespective side member of the base.
 9. The vertical cable manager ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first and second column assembliesincludes: a first member, including a side panel and orthogonal portionsthat together have a C-shaped cross-section, extending from a bottom ofone of the column assemblies to a top of said one of the columnassemblies; and first and second brackets, each formed separately fromthe first member but rigidly attached to a respective orthogonal portionof the first member, and each including a portion, orthogonally disposedrelative to the side panel, extending from the bottom of the columnassembly to the top of the column assembly.
 10. A vertical cablemanager, comprising: a first column assembly; a second column assembly,parallel to but spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frameconnecting a top end of the first column assembly to a top end of thesecond column assembly; and a base connecting a bottom end of the firstcolumn assembly to a bottom end of the second column assembly; whereineach of the first and second column assemblies includes: a first member,including a side panel and orthogonal portions that together have aC-shaped cross-section, extending from a bottom of the column assemblyto a top of the column assembly, and first and second brackets, eachformed separately from the first member but rigidly attached to arespective orthogonal portion of the first member, and each including aportion, orthogonally disposed relative to the side panel, extendingfrom the bottom of the column assembly to the top of the columnassembly.
 11. The vertical cable manager of claim 10, wherein the firstand second brackets are welded to the first member.
 12. The verticalcable manager of claim 10, wherein each of said brackets includes atleast two planar members that are orthogonally disposed relative to oneanother such a first planar member is orthogonally disposed relative tothe side panel and a second planar member is parallel to, but spacedapart from, the side panel.
 13. The vertical cable manager of claim 10,wherein the first member of each column assembly includes first andsecond flanges, orthogonally disposed relative to the side panel, andwherein each of the first and second brackets is rigidly attached to arespective one of the first and second flanges.
 14. The vertical cablemanager of claim 13, wherein a column of evenly-spaced mountingapertures are disposed along the first bracket and penetrate through thefirst bracket and the respective one of the first and second flanges.15. The vertical cable manager of claim 10, wherein each column assemblyincludes a plurality of finger projections extending forwardly orrearwardly from the first bracket.
 16. The vertical cable manager ofclaim 15, wherein the finger projections are a part of a fingered cableguide mounted to a respective one of the first brackets.
 17. Thevertical cable manager of claim 10, wherein the side panel of the firstcolumn assembly includes a first column of mounting features eachadapted to support a first end of removable midsection member, thesecond column assembly includes a second column of mounting featureseach adapted to support a second end of the removable midsection member,and the mounting features of the first column are aligned with themounting features of the second column such that the removablemidsection member may be supported at any of various heights in thevertical cable manager.
 18. The vertical cable manager of claim 10,wherein the side panel of the first column assembly includes a first rowof mounting features each adapted to support a first end of removablemidsection member, the second column assembly includes a second row ofmounting features each adapted to support a second end of the removablemidsection member, and the mounting features of the first row arealigned with the mounting features of the second row such that theremovable midsection member may be supported at any of various depths inthe vertical cable manager.
 19. A vertical cable manager, comprising: afirst column assembly; a second column assembly, parallel to but spacedapart from the first column assembly; a top frame connecting a top endof the first column assembly to a top end of the second column assembly;and a base connecting a bottom end of the first column assembly to abottom end of the second column assembly; wherein each of the first andsecond column assemblies includes: a first member, including a sidepanel and orthogonal portions that together have a C-shapedcross-section, extending from a bottom of the column assembly to a topof the column assembly, and first and second brackets, each formedseparately from the first member but rigidly attached to a respectiveorthogonal portion of the first member, and each including a portion,orthogonally disposed relative to the side panel, extending from thebottom of the column assembly to a top of the column assembly; andwherein the base includes a member utilizing tubular construction toprovide structural rigidity between the first and second columnassemblies.